Chapter 269 The People Who Always Show Up at Reunions
Susanna wasn't too excited about the high school reunion, but hearing Jim's name made her understand why Flandre was going. Flandre had always had a crush on Jim!
Susanna teased, "Flandre, are you going to the reunion or just to see Jim?"
"Don't say that, Susanna. Since Jim's organizing it, it wouldn't look good if too few people showed up. But I feel awkward going alone. Can you come with me?" Flandre asked.
"Of course."
Susanna couldn't say no to Flandre. Given their history and the fact that Flandre was interning at Jim's company, maybe this reunion would spark something between them.
"I'll add you to the group chat," Flandre said.
"Okay."
After hanging up, Susanna went to the study room. She saw several notifications on her phone. In the group chat, people were already chatting.
Flandre had even sent a special message: [Welcome Susanna to the group.]
Susanna quickly greeted everyone and then turned off her phone to focus on studying. Later, in the restroom, she checked her phone and saw someone had tagged her.
[Susanna, everyone is talking to you. Why aren't you responding?] Flandre explained: [Susanna is probably studying. She's busy preparing for exams.]
[I heard Susanna took a break from studying for a few years. Now she's back and prepping for a certification test, right?]
[Yeah, her university wouldn't allow a three-year break easily. She used to be top of the class, but rumors say she took a break for a guy!]
Flandre started arguing with those girls, and Jim stepped in to stop it.
Flandre messaged Susanna: [Those two trying to slander you are Lucy and Juniper. We never liked them.]
Susanna replied calmly: [I figured it was them.]
Flandre: [Lucy’s family got rich from a property deal, and now she flaunts luxury goods. She's been chasing Jack, but he doesn't care. I heard Jack's influencer girlfriend might come tomorrow.]
Hearing about her old classmates, Susanna felt time had flown by. As an orphan, she hadn't kept in touch much. After secretly marrying Aaron, she distanced herself from everyone.
Just then, Susanna saw a school announcement: ‘Wendy has been expelled.’ She was shocked.
She had recently met Wendy at the music academy. They bonded over their shared orphan backgrounds. This sudden news was unexpected.
As Susanna was leaving school, Justin, wearing a mask and hat, came to pick her up. Once in the car, she said, "Justin, I heard you have a movie coming out soon. Aren't you busy?"
"No matter how busy I am, picking you up is more important. Besides, I'm the investor. Who's going to complain if I take a break?" Justin said proudly.
Susanna was quiet for a moment, thinking, "Is this the power of money?"
She thought about Wendy's expulsion and asked, "Justin, I saw Wendy got expelled today. What about Erica?"
Everyone had been avoiding the topic of Erica lately.
Justin replied casually, "The Abbott family is suing her for intentional harm. Daniel pushed for it, and Erica's still locked up. She won't be out anytime soon."
Justin's face darkened. It was clear Erica had caused trouble and hidden Susanna's whereabouts, making it take years for the Jones family to find her. Just imprisoning her and suing seemed too easy. If they were in Novaria, he'd make sure Erica really paid.
"I heard Erica claimed she contributed to the Jones family for years. What did she actually do?" Susanna asked, curious.
"Don't listen to her. Erica complained about taking care of Grandma, but all she had to do was keep her company.There are plenty of servants for everything else. If it weren't for Grandma, Erica wouldn't have been brought into the Jones family to live like an heir. She's just greedy!" Justin replied.
Susanna looked down. "How's Grandma's health?"
"Not great. Everything that happened took a toll on her mentally. It's not something surgery can fix. Susanna, once you're done here, let's go back to Novaria to see Grandma."
"Okay." Susanna took a deep breath and glanced at the passing scenery. Her exams were next week, and graduation and thesis prep were at the end of the month.
When she got home that night, she was surprised to see only Madison. "Where is everyone?"
"Dahlia had some family stuff and had to leave. My mom said she'd come back for her next appointment, so they left in a hurry. I didn't stop them," Madison said.
Susanna snorted, "They're worried I'll ask for money, so they left quickly!"
'Good riddance, less trouble,' Susanna thought to herself.
That night, the family had a nice dinner together.
Susanna mentioned she was going to a class reunion the next day, and her brothers looked concerned. "We'll go with you!"
Susanna laughed, "No need, I'm going with Flandre."
If her six brothers went, they'd steal the spotlight. She wanted to help Flandre and Jim get together.
Edward said seriously, "Susanna, these reunions are usually about showing off. I'm worried you'll get bullied if you go alone."
"Don't worry, I won't. I'm the Jones family heir now. Who would dare bully me?" Susanna joked.
The next morning, as Susanna was about to leave, Aviana stopped her. "Susanna, are you going out in that outfit? What about the clothes and dresses I bought you last time?"
"I just grabbed something casual. I'm not the main character at the reunion. I don't want to stand out."
"Well, everyone pays attention to appearances at reunions. Go change!" Aviana insisted.
Susanna reluctantly changed into something simple and nondescript, with no big brand logos.
Just then, a message popped up in the group chat: [Dinner tonight at a fancy restaurant, Jack's treat.]
